Maine
More states ban PFAS, or forever chemicals, in more products
In total this year, at least 16 states adopted 22 PFAS-related measures.
California inspired a wave of plastic bag bans—with an unfortunate loophole
The Golden State finally fixed its ban last month, but at least five other states still allow the distribution of extra-thick "reusable" plastic bags.
Governments often struggle with massive new IT projects
Culture, bureaucracy and serving a broad patchwork of agencies can make a comprehensive technology update a challenge, experts say.
New bans on panhandling in medians spark debate over free speech rights
The efforts to pass pans have grown amid a nationwide homelessness crisis, with more people visibly soliciting money in the streets, and higher pedestrian deaths compared with before the pandemic.
‘Death by a thousand cuts’: A look at Big Tech’s efforts to influence data privacy
Maine’s struggles to pass such a law have familiar ring for Maryland lawmakers.
Public power is on the ballot in Maine. Will voters take a leap of faith?
The state has a chance to oust unpopular investor-owned utilities—and set a precedent for the rest of the country.
Environment, immigrant groups say state needs to prepare for likely climate migration
The development of affordable housing stock and denser, walkable communities could help states like Maine prepare for migrants looking to move to more climate resilient areas.
Maine’s 3D-printed Wood-fiber Home
The recyclable, 3D-printed homes could help fill the housing gap while advancing sustainable manufacturing.
The States Where Motorists Pay the Most for Auto Insurance
A new report also looks at the places where rates are the highest compared to income.
States With the Highest Homicide Rates
The U.S. experienced a 30% increase in homicides from 2019 to 2020, the largest jump ever recorded, according to a CDC report.
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This Week in Federal Funding
In the July 20 edition we check in with the state and local lead for the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, a federal watchdog overseeing ARPA programs. Also: the outlook for broadband spending and updates from Massachusetts and Maine.
Maine Has a Dangerous, Small, and Very Itchy Problem
Climate change is keeping temperatures higher in the fall, setting up browntail-moth caterpillars to boom in summer.
As States Ease Covid-19 Mandates, (Some) Legislative Buildings Reopen
State capitols and legislative chambers are beginning to reopen their doors to the public amid increasing vaccination rates and shifting health guidelines.
One State’s Proposal to Regulate—or Recall—Obscene License Plates
Three bills under consideration in Maine would broaden the state’s authority to reject vulgar or obscene vanity license plates, and to recall those already on the road.
Pandemic-Paused Plastic Bag Bans Ripped Anew by Critics
Philadelphia’s bag ban was delayed due to the pandemic, which has derailed similar bans across the country. Eight states have anti-plastic bag laws on the books.
States Debate Improvements to Unemployment Systems
Tech upgrades are bipartisan. Increased benefits are not.
Lawyers Who Were Ineligible to Handle Serious Criminal Charges Were Given Thousands of These Cases Anyway
In the only state with no public defenders, people charged with murder and other serious crimes can get assigned attorneys who are legally ineligible to take on their cases. The state claims it was unaware.
As Coronavirus Continues, State Lawmakers Debate How to Meet Safely
Some state legislative bodies have convened outside, while others anticipate hybrid sessions of in-person and virtual hearings and votes. And at least some states will only be holding typical sessions, with adjustments.
Eleven States Join DOJ in Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Police in Colorado take off-road vehicles to homeless encampment to provide vaccines and Covid tests … Can city recoup cancelled RNC costs? … Colleges require flu shots.
Maine Hires Lawyers With Criminal Records to Defend Its Poorest Residents
Maine is the only state in the country with no public defender system. Instead, legal services for the poor are left to private attorneys, who face disproportionately high amounts of discipline, and an office that doesn’t supervise them.
